Why are you smiling, Meraki?!
I don't know!!
"You are still in there," he said, closing the distance between us as he placed his hands around my face, making me look up at him. "Somewhere." 
"Yeah, well, get in line," I said, pulling my face away from his hands. "You aren't the only one that wants the old Meraki back." 
"Old Meraki?" he asked, tilting his head to the side. "And who would they be talking about?" 
"The person you knew before," I said, furrowing my brows at him. "Don't you want that girl back? That cheery and friendly one?"
He burst into a laugh, "Why would I want her back if she never left?" 
"What are you talking about?" 
He finally stopped laughing and looked me in the eyes, "People are complex, they do not have just one or two personalities. Just because you lost your memories does not mean that you have become something entirely different." 
"I am not going to do everything that the old Meraki did," I said, moving away from him as he kept coming closer.
"Tch." He stood in front of me and placed both his and on either side of the railing to stop me from going anywhere else. "Stop saying that. Old Meraki, new Meraki. You are the same person either way."
It is my turn to look at him in the eyes, completely devoid of emotions ... though, being this close with him is making me feel queasy. 
"You will be disappointed when I do not behave the same way as I did before." 
"Of all the people that can disappoint me, you never will. Unless, of course, you died that night." 
"I did die." 
He stared at me, searching my eyes then frowning, "You really always are full of surprises. I am sorry I was not there that night." 
"I found out that you came by before the attack happened," I said, moving a little closer to him. He is so warm, even with just a button-up shirt. "Why did you come by?" 
"Why do you think? I will give you a chance to guess."
"So that you will know if I am Meraki or not?" 
He placed his hands under my chin, making me look up at him as I saw something flashed across the sky. 
"No," He said, looking deep into my eyes. "To prove to you that you are the same person I know." 
"You are very stubborn about this," I said, looking at him with a raised eyebrow.
"Well," He placed a small peck on my forehead. "You were very stubborn with me as well, after all." 
He finally moved away from me and I felt like I could finally breathe. Subconsciously I touched where his lips touched my skin, it felt like it was on fire but I do not understand why. 
Maybe I am getting sick? 
Kefi?
Yes~? Her voice sounded a little bit teasing as she answered. I can see her eyebrows wriggling at me as Jude sat on the railings, staring at the sky still. 
I think I may be sick. Can you check my body to make sure he didn't do anything to it?
Of course~. There is nothing, don't worry~. 
Then why do I feel hot all over?
I shook my head, forcing myself to concentrate. There is more pressing matters to worry about rather than my beating heart and burning skin. 
I walked to him and stood there, silently observing him. 
"You know that you were the one to introduce me to this place?" He asked, not looking at me. 
"I did?" 
"Yes." He said, looking at me from the corner of his eyes. "You told me to make myself invisible and took me here. Only you and I have the keys to this place. That was my thirteenth birthday present from you."
"Thirteenth? How old are you now?" 
"I am about to turn eighteen and you are about to turn seventeen. We have known each other since we were eleven. Though we only started to talk at twelve." He said, smiling at me. "Speaking of which, your birthday is coming up, ain't it?" 
"I don't remember."
"It is on the eight of April," Kefi said, raising our hands. "I heard Aurora say that once." 
"That is right." He said as the two exchanged high fives. "That is going to come in three weeks now." 
"That is still far away," I said, rolling my eyes at him. 
"Still, what are you going to do?" he asked, bending to my height and smiling widely at me. 
"Nothing. It isn't important anyway." As soon as I said that, something flashed in Jude's face, making him smile even more. 
"But just imagine. If you could have anything, what would you like to do?" He asked again. When I didn't reply he said, "I will tell you about how we started to date if you tell me."
"Bribe?" 
"That is the best I can do to squeeze something out of you." he shrugged. "So?" 
"I would like ... just a small dinner party with only the people I care about," I said plainly, turning to him. "Happy?" 
His smile widened even more as he reached into his pocket and pulled a diary out of that small pocket. 
"How?"
"That isn't important." He said, flipping through the pages. "This is a diary I always kept with me. I always wrote when something good happens in my life. You gave this to me when we started dating and told me what to do with it. Now it has become a habit." 
"I sound like a person that cares about people a lot," I said, looking at the book filled writings and stickers and doodles. "Cute." 
"This is all you." he chuckled. "You thought the pages are too plain and just ran to the store, bought a bunch of stickers and coloured pens and then begin colouring them."
"Do I like cutesy stuff?" I looked up from the decorated pages at his nervous expression. 
"... Well ... Oh, look. This is the page I was looking for." he pointed to a page written in a red glitter pen and also black ink. The red pen handwriting is different from the black ink one. 
'What would you like to do for your birthday?' The black ink asked. 
'My birthday isn't important.' The red pen replied. 
'But anything you would want to do? Since it is going to be your last year before you have to become an adult.'
'If you put it that way, then I want a small dinner party with all the people I care about.' 
'All the people you care about means me too?'
'Of course. Why not?'
'Are you planning to do what I think you are doing then?' 
'Yes. Look forward to it.' 
I looked from the pages up to Jude who had his lips pursed.
"I intended to reveal our relationship to my parents on my birthday, didn't I?" I asked searching his eyes. 
"Not just your parents, mine as well." He said, clenching his fists. "You were planning for it so much just for something like this to happen. I should have been there. I knew something wrong was going to happen, I could feel it in my guts but you told me to go home and I ... listened." 
"Well, I like it better that you listened to me than to your guts," I said, closing the diary and giving it back to him. "If you had come, you may have died." 
"I would rather die with you than live alone." He said, biting on his lower lip. "The only thing that kept me alive all those weeks after hearing about what happened was that you were never declared dead." 
"You hoped that I would be alive." 
"After all you have done for me. To have not been there for you when you needed it ... I will regret that forever." He said sighing while he stared at the sky. "Since no one knew, I couldn't share what I felt with anyone but I could not eat for the past couple of weeks until I found that you were alive." 
"So you didn't eat properly until you found that I was alive?" I asked, clarifying again. 
"Yes," he said, not willing to look at me. 
"Come here," I said, waving my hands at him and he bent down until I was the same height as him. Placing my hand on his head, I flicked his forehead. 
"Ouch." 
"Don't be an idiot next time," I said, rolling my eyes at him. 
"Sorry," he said smiling as he rubbed his forehead. "I deserved that." 
"You do. Now tell me, how did we start dating?" I asked, resting my arms on the railing. 
"Right, I forgot about that." He said rubbing his forehead still. "How did we start dating? It is a very funny story, if I am being honest. You always said that we would make one hell of a story to tell our kids in the future."
"Kids?


Slow Paced. 

Meraki Sagepice woke up at the hospital with no memory of who she is or what had transpired. She just remained there, an empty shell of a human.
That is, until a woman in a suit appeared to her and pledged loyalty to her in a blood pact. With that, a sudden and painful bloodlust consumed her entire consciousness. 
Who is she? Who is this woman? And why is the Sagepice family so feared?

*Not my cover art.



By mid-morning Janani went to Ava's school to personally meet up with Ananya Mittal 

Aadesh who got to know that, volunteered to babysit his niece and nephew ,and informed Armaan that he wouldn't be coming to the office that day 

"Heyy Janani." Ananya greeted her as soon as she saw her 

"Hello Ananya. I came by so that I could personally thank you for this opportunity " Janani said as she took a seat across Ananya in her office 

"I should be thanking you Janani. I was in search of a teacher to replace Avanthika for quite some time. It's the matter of small children, so can't give the job to anybody with educational qualifications" Ananya said 

"Glad that you trust me with these precious babies" 

"Ofcourse, I have seen how much you love Ava. And even if it's only been a couple of weeks I got to know you enough to trust you with the kids" Ananya smiled 

Janani liked the woman 

And she respects her too 

Being independent and being a single mother is worth anyone's respect 

"There is another reason why I dropped by." Janani started 

"Go ahead ,what's it??" 

"I would like to have the personal data of all the kids enrolled here" Janani said making Ananya frown 

"Why??" 

"I told you yesterday about Ava's illness right. It was an allergic reaction. A very nasty one. And I was not prepared for that. I think it would be better if I'm well informed about any kind of medical histories of the children so that I can be well prepared if something ever happens" Janani said and Ananya was all the more impressed 

"Sure. I will mail the details. But you will have to sign a non disclosure agreement as per the protocols" Ananya said with an apologetic smile 

"That's totally fine. I know the kids here are all from high profile families. I can totally understand" Janani said 

Ananya Mittal's phone rang for the fourth time in an hour 

Ananya sighed looking at the caller ID 

Inder 

The man doesn't know how to take no for an answer 

She disconnected the call and sighed looking at the photo of another man in her office 

The one who was her life 

Janani saw the change of emotions on Ananya's face after the the phone call came 

"Everything alright Ananya??" Janani asked bringing Ananya back to present 

"Yes yes. I would love to have you here Janani. Hope Ava is better now" Ananya said and Janani smiled in response 

"Momma, superman is here" a child squealed and Janani peaked in through glass partition to see Ananya's child being thrown in the air and caught back by a man 

Ananya huffed 

"What does this man think of himself" Ananya stood up from her seat all ready to throw out the man who is creating havoc in hers and her baby's peaceful life 

Janani smiled amused at the look on Ananya's face 

She always thought Ananya was the calm type 

Now she is seeing an entirely different Ananya who looks angry yet animated at the same time 

"I will take your leave now. Will see you on Monday Ananya" Janani said and walked towards the door leading outside 

Before exiting she heard Ananya saying looking at the photo 

"See Dhruv .He is after me for sometime now. And he has our son eating out of his palm. The only thing that comes out of his mouth nowadays is superman superman" complained Ananya to the man in the photo and walked towards the connecting door that leads to playroom where the kids are now surrounding the man who is giving them lollipops now 

***** 

Meanwhile at Verma Mansion, Aadesh was having a tough time dealing with two kids alone 

He being over confident had refused to take help from Shanthi Seth when she offered and had given her an off so that she could go for some shopping 

His brother is going to kill him if he comes to know the nanny has been given an off without consulting him 

Aadesh took a colouring book and crayons and gave it to the kids to keep them occupied and went to attend a call just outside the room 

Once the call is over and he returned to the room only to see the children colouring the walls, abandoning the colouring book 

"What are you two doing??" He cried out seeing the stick figures on the wall drawn by Ava and concentric circles of various colors drawn by Advi 

They book looked up from their task and smiled proudly at their chachu who is now sweating 

"Uncle ,see Ava and Advi" Ava said pointing at the two stick figures on the wall 

"Great" Aadesh muttered prying the color pencils from the kids 

Advi started crying in protest and tried to grab it back from his uncle 

"Sorry kiddo. You two will be safe. I will be the one getting an earful from your momma and dada." He said placing the color pencils out of their reach 

As Advi's screams intensified Aadesh picked him up and tried to hush him which proved futile 

"Wait ,I will bring your milk. Ava play with your brother. Uncle will come soon" and he placed them both on the floor as it is the safest and closed the door so that they wouldn't crawl out and harm themselves and went to the kitchen to get Advi's bottle 

According to him, crying babies stop crying when they get milk 

So the best solution is to give him milk 

As Aadesh walked into the room with the bottle of milk ,he was relieved to not hear screams from inside, which was short lived because soon he saw them drawing on the cupboard with a marker 

His marker 

Which he brought to check the files and mark the points while the children sit there and play quietly 

What an impossible dream it was?? 

"Why are you doing this to me" he cried looking at both the kids who looked up at him innocently 

That was the scene Armaan saw as he walked into the room 

He was restless in the office knowing that his brother who is a baby himself is babysitting his kids 

His apprehension was right 

Look at the mess in the room 

"What the fuck Addy??" He asked in horror 

"Uck uddy??" Came another voice from down there and both the brothers looked at Advi in horror 

"Maan! What are you teaching your son?? Janani will kill you if she hears this" Aadesh said using the opportunity to get away from the scolding which was due for him 

"If she hears what??" Asked Janani coming into the room 

She looked around the room and gasped 

She had went out for an hour and look at the state of the room 

"What is this?" She pointed around and asked no one in particular 

"Uck uddy" Advi repeated with a mischievous smile making Aadesh and Armaan stiffen 

"What is he saying?? Uck??" Janani asked confused 

"Its -its -yeah, its duck. He is asking for his duck toy" Aadesh covered up 

"Oh my my!! My baby used to say ucky for his duck . Now it became Uck. Aren't your vocabulary improving little man" Janani instantly forgot the mess of the room and scooped her baby in her arms and kissed him on his cheeks followed by kissing Ava too 

"That's right! His vocabulary is definitely improving" Aadesh muttered to Armaan who was watching the scene with an unreadable expression on his face 

"Shut up Aadesh"

Janani Trivedi has something that is very very precious to Armaan Verma. So when Armaan storms into her life to reclaim what's his, Janani let's the forbidding businessman believe the worst of her

Though Janani Trivedi seems gentler that Armaan has known of, he's resolved to make her pay. 

Let's see what happens when Janani's secret is out!! 
Or how the formidable businessman works it out

PS : Inspired from Mills and Boon

Zhi Rou was sitting in Yuan Rui's office behind his desk. The laptop she was given was connected to the wifi. She typed in a website she knew of and smiled when she saw the many options the website provided. She created an account with her name Zhao Zhi Rou and added her account number from the bank card she received from Yuan Rui. The bank card and laptop weren't the only things she received, Yuan Rui gave her a mobile phone too that needed some time to figure out how to use properly.
The website she was visiting was one that provided all the essential artwork needed for a classroom such as individual abc cards, colour and shape cards. Individual birthday A4 sheets, a height measuring wall chart and more. She chose to decorate the baby's room with all of these charts and cards for it to be more stimulating for the little one.
There were many options as she was browsing through the sites making feel overwhelmed. She finally decided on choosing the owl collection and bought the owl weather chart, owl height measuring wall chart, owl alphabet and opposite cards. She bought the animals and their babies set, shapes, colours, prepositions and number frames. The weather chart was another thing she bought.
After the PDF files downloaded she opened them and started printing. Her eyes widened at the number of pages that were going to be used and sighed, "Well it's a good thing I'm marrying a rich man." She got up and went to the kitchen to fetch herself something to drink and went to her bedroom. She and Yuan Rui arched about the guest room she wanted to use, being too far away from their bedroom so all her things were being moved into the guest room that would now be her closet and the room she had was bare.
Everything was moved out when she went out shopping alone for the rest of her clothes and the room was painted over with lead-free lilac paint. She bought a white rug that covered the floor and there were the boxes in the living room that needed to be moved here but she was waiting for Yuan Rui to set up the cradle and the installers to put up the net that would cover the cradle. She ordered a swing for the bedroom that needs to be installed as well.
Yawning, she returned to Yuan Rui's office. The printer was done so she set the next PDF file to print.
*
Dialling a number she knew out of her head she waited for the one on the other line to answer. After two rings a voice came through, "Han publishers good day. How may I assist you?"
"Good day, this is author Liu Rou, I need to speak with Qiong Jai, is Mr Qiong available?" Zhi Rou spoke.
"Author Liu Rou, it is you? Mr Qiong is currently in a meeting, I can ask him to contact you when he's done if that is okay with you?" the woman said on the other end of the line. Thinking about it for a minute Zhi Rou said, "Could you please tell Mr Han that I'll be e-mailing him my new manuscript that I would love him to overlook before I decide to continue. Please also inform him that I will be getting married this week and I would love it if he could change my surname on the newest additions to Zhao as well."
"Congratulations Ms Liu!! I will definitely inform Mr Qiong on your joyous occasion. I'm sure when Mr Han finds out he'll want to send you a gift, please will you give your address and I'll pass on all of this to him." Zhi Rou nodded her head and told her everything. She ended the call and placed her phone down, she turned around and jumped in her step. She caught a fright when she saw her soon-to-be husband at the door watching her intently.
Qing Shan was standing behind him with a curious gaze. "Wow, never would I have guessed that the well-known author Liu Rou was my wife-to-be," Yuan Rui said knowingly. Zhi Rou smiled innocently. She walked up to him and crouched down before him, "Baby, if I knew you'd be home so soon, I would have prepared something for you to eat."
The words she had just spoken did not register to him at all. He couldn't believe that the author who inspired him to get better for Jiang Hui Yin's sake was the woman before him right now. The woman who he was going to marry was the one who wrote books on saving suicide victims. She was the one who wrote about how a father could love his adopted daughter and even hide her crime even under suspicion. Another was a tale of how a woman who got kidnapped by accident and fell for her kidnapper, choosing to follow him because she did not want to return to her life which made her hide and protect her rapist!
Looking into her eyes he couldn't understand how could she write those stories? Those stories that got so many addicted? Those stories who made him want to meet her? Those stories that secretly made him desire for her?
Thinking about it clearly he realized that he knew nothing about Zhi Rou, to begin with. He felt helpless many times but her words gave him hope. Was it fate that brought them together and was making her the future Mrs Zhao correct decision? If it wasn't, why was she so likeable? Why did it feel to him like he could trust her? She didn't care about what he did for a living, she thought he was ridiculous for spending so much money on her. She stood up for him when he was bullied and she made him laugh unknowingly after being depressed for so long. It did not seem like it on the outside but he could possibly be happy that she was part of his life.
She did everything for him that he only wished Jiang Hui Yin could do for him. If he compared the two women together, Liu Zhi Rou deserved the winning title! Unknowingly she helped him before they knew each other. She stopped him from being depressed. The colour she brought into his life by his silly decision for revenge because he was naturally a petty man and only cared for himself, she accepted with no questions asked made such a tremendous change that he didn't realise it himself.
Liu Zhi Rou alone made he, Zhao Yuan Rui feel at ease, as though he was on a cloud by her mere presence, "Liu Zhi Rou, was it fate that brought us together?" Yuan Rui's question took her by surprise. Zhi Rou's brows furrowed, "What do you mean?" she asked. Yuan Rui's head lowered. He looked down at the colouring book in his hand that he wanted to hand back to her.
Zhi Rou purchased the colouring book at the book store a while back and challenged him to colour a picture every other day when he had nothing to do, she said it was a type of bonding process for the two of them to get to know each other. She handed him the colouring book the next morning after her first night in his home. He thought it was stupid and took the book with him only to make her stop her pestering.
It was Qing Shan who reminded him of it and when he opened the colouring book, he saw that she had coloured in the first picture that was of a garden. On the top of the first page, she wrote, "Hello, my name is Liu Zhi Rou, the co-owner of this colouring book, who might you be?" Unknowing to him, a slight smile tugged on his lips at the office that Qing Shan took note of.
Yuan Rui coloured in the second picture of a dog taking a bath when he felt his mind become clouded with thoughts of his cousin and Jiang Hui Yin together. At the top of the page, he wrote back in a calm state, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Liu Zhi Rou, I'm Zhao Yuan Rui. I own this colouring book too which makes me your co-owner."
He returned the book and it came back to him with Qing Shan who needed to attend a board meeting on his health at work since the old men were "worried" about his health. He was being berated by one of the oldest shareholders for not thinking of the company and only thinking about himself when he tried to kill himself. He didn't have answers for them and they were all just waiting for him to actually die and step down so that Zhao Nianzhen could take over.
In the midst of their ranting, he became depressed. When Qing Shan saw that his young master's mood was sinking he pointed towards the colouring book after gaining his attention. When Yuan Rui opened the book and paged to the third page, every emotion he felt melted away replacing the empty space with happiness. "No, it is my pleasure meeting you Mr Zhao Yuan Rui. I cannot believe that I am acquainted with someone who has such beautiful handwriting," was what was written on the page she coloured in.
Yuan Rui pursed his lips and handed the colouring book to her. Zhi Rou looked at it and smiled. She stepped out of his way and he wheeled past her stopping at his bookshelf. He pulled out five books and showed it to her. He thought that he'd be happy meeting her but he felt confused at this moment. Zhi Rou smiled when she saw her works in his hands and walked up to him, "So you're a fan… maybe it was fate or it good just be your bad luck for something you did in your past life," she joked and kissed him on the cheek.
Zhi Rou could see the conflicting emotions on his face but did not worry about it. She was here and would watch over him, she could feel it in her bones that this was where she was meant to be and she hopes that he knew this too.

The Uncharted Husband and His Wife

Zhao Yuan Rui, had everything and still has everything but feels as though he has nothing ever since his car accident two years ago which left him paralyzed. 

He meets the flamboyant Liu Zhi Rou who changes his life in the most uncommon manner. 

Liu Zhi Rou, an angel stripped of her wings at a young age, between all humans drops by in his hospital room with her silly antics. 

Learning of each other's pasts and hardships, they work together for the betterment of the other. 

Follow the two as they venture into the life of a married couple and face all the obstacles ahead of them with an adopted bubble that adds to their adventure.

Art by: the_nerd.artist

Reviews and comments welcomed.



"His name is Jason Monroe. He turns three next month." The adoption manager says, pushing a file towards Tobias and I. It's open and packed full of information, the papers thick and stacked on top of one another. In the corner is a small photograph of Jason and I automatically feel drawn to it. There's something about the sadness in his eyes that makes me want to take it away. 

"What's his story?" Tobias says, quickly skimming over the page. There's a pause in the room and I glance up at her from under my lashes. She's sitting in her office chair with her back straight but her eyes diverted to the floor. She releases a heavy sigh before her eyes flicker back up to meet mine. 

"It's a very long one. Jason came to us three months ago from his mothers house. We don't know where his biological father is despite getting in touch with him numerous times. There were suspicions that Jason was being. . . mistreated." She says, her eyes flashing with a mixed sadness and anger. 

"What happened to him?" I ask softly, my heart hammering inside my chest. I can't seem to tear my eyes off the little picture attached to his file. 

"He's had countless visits to A&E. Some for fractured bones, sprains, loss of consciousness. We suspect abuse but Jason won't talk to us, he won't talk to anyone. There's currently an investigation pending into the case but I'm afraid it may be going on for a while." 

"Poor little man." Tobias says quietly beside me, his face set into a permanent frown. 

"What is he like? His behaviour and personality?" I question, my throat drying out considerably. I can't begin to imagine what Jason has seen or experienced. A three year old boy who's been to the hospital more times than I ever have done in my entire lifetime . . . All at the hands of the people who were supposed to protect him. 

"He's quiet, understandably. He doesn't socialise with any of the other kids. We try to get him involved but he always ends up in the corner of the room, on his own. He has frequent night terrors but they seem to be decreasing as time goes on. He's built a relationship with only one member of staff so he is difficult to emotionally connect with." 

"Could we see more of him?" Tobias says beside me. The manager nods her head before her eyes flicker between both of us. 

"It may be slightly overwhelming to take on someone like Jason. He's withdrawn, on edge most of the time and will need further help to process his trauma. Maybe you'd be interested in finding out about another child? Someone who doesn't have as many needs?" 

Automatically Tobias and I look at each other. His brown eyes search mine for an answer and without saying anything, we've already made a decision. 

"No, we'll stick to Jason for now." 

***** 

"Hey Buddy, do you want to do some colouring?" Tobias says, walking over to Jason who's sat at the kids colouring table. Tobias shuffles through some pictures before choosing one and sitting next to Jason. I'm sat a few feet away, watching and observing as Tobias gets to know him further. 

Jason keeps his head down, his hand firmly wrapped around his toy cowboy. Tobias pauses before reaching forward and grabbing some colouring pens. 

"Do you want to help me colour in this picture?" Tobias asks Jason quietly, pushing the paper towards him. There's no response from Jason, no reaction, no interest, nothing. 

I give Tobias a reassuring smile as he looks up at me, slight worry flickering through his eyes. 

"It's a picture of a cowboy." Tobias says patiently, trying his best to connect with Jason on any sort of level. For the first time, we both watch as his head lifts with interest. It's the smallest movement but a step in the right direction. 

"Cowboy?" Jason says quietly. 

"Yeah buddy, it's a cowboy. Look at his hat and boots. Do you want to colour him in?" Tobias says, a smile lighting up his face. I lean back against my chair, a warm feeling settling inside my chest as I watch them both. 

"Okay." Jason murmurs quietly, reaching forward in slow motion to carefully lift a coloured pen from the table. He moves with such caution, almost afraid that his actions will get him in trouble. 

"Hmm. I think I'm going to colour his boots with the pink pen." 

"No!" Jason gasps, looking up at Tobias. They both connect eyes for the first time and Tobias laughs — 

"Why not?" 

"Cowboys don't wear pink." Jason says, picking up a darker colour. He hands it to Tobias carefully, his small hands shaking slightly. 

"Yes you're right. I completely forgot! Cowboys don't wear pink." Tobias says, taking it from him. The two boys sit and continue colouring in silence for the next ten minutes but those very few words spoken gives everyone in the room hope. 

Jason may be quiet and withdrawn but underneath all that pain is a little boy desperate to be just that — 

A little boy. 

***** 

"Yay Ruby! Clap your hands!" I cheer, clapping my hands and bouncing her in my lap. She giggles and gurgles, her large eyes widening in excitement. Emily laughs at us over her shoulder before continuing on with finishing up the cake. 

"Is it normal to celebrate a baby turning six months old?" She asks me, licking a small piece of frosting from the tip of her fingers. I nod and shrug my shoulders — 

"Who says it has to be a full year before we're allowed to eat cake? You & Jake kept this baby alive for six whole months, it's a damn miracle." I laugh. Emily bursts out laughing, nodding her head in agreement. 

"Every day with this eating, sleeping and pooping monster is hard." 

"You're the best parents I know." I tell her seriously. She turns around, pausing for a moment in surprise. 

"Thank you." She says softly, giving me a small smile. Her brown eyes flicker over to Ruby, a baby that couldn't look more like her. 

"I never thought I'd be stood here right now, raising an actual human. If I could celebrate every single day with her, I would." 

In that moment, Ruby senses her mothers love and holds out her arms, wanting to be held. Emily smiles and walks forward, her eyes lighting up with nothing but pure love for her child. She takes her from me and props her up on her hip before kissing her forehead. 

"Hi honey," Emily murmurs, breathing in her scent. I smile at the sight in front of me, knowing my best friend was destined to be a Mum to the amazing Ruby. The kitchen door opens and Jake and Tobias walk in followed by Ivory. 

"I have balloons!" Jake says excitedly, holding them up in the air. Written across them is a number 6 and I laugh, pointing at them. 

"She's six months old Jake, not six years old." 

"Nowhere sold six month old balloons, can you believe that?" Jake says unhappily. Emily walks up to him, standing on her tip toes before kissing him. 

"The balloons are perfect." She says, a wide smile on her face. Jake's unhappy expression immediately vanishes and he scoops Ruby and Emily into a massive bear hug, crushing the pair of them. 

"I love you my Muffin and Cupcake." 

Behind him, Tobias begins to retch, mimicking throwing up. Ivory laughs and shoves his arm slightly, telling him off. Once upon a time, Jake Melvin wouldn't dare call anyone his Cupcake or Muffin. . . That is until he met my best friend and had a daughter. 

I've been surrounded by bad parenting my entire life which completely threw me off having children. Now that I have two of my best friends to show me it isn't all doom and gloom, I couldn't be more excited to start my own family with the man I love. 

"Hey Sugar, fancy giving me some loving like that?" Tobias says, waggling his eyebrows as he walks towards me. I laugh and shake my head at him but my feet automatically move towards his outstretched arms. He wraps both arms loosely around my neck before pulling me into his chest. His hand disappears into my hair and I breathe in his warm scent, closing my eyes. 

"I love you." He whispers down my ear, his voice inviting goosebumps all over my body.

Trisha Louise Lockwood. 

A girl who's tired of having a bad reputation. A girl who decides to change despite her challenging home situation. A girl who thought she was unreadable until she met Tobias Melvin. 

She didn't know one person could change her entire life. 

She didn't know one person could save her from so many demons. 

He calls her SUGAR despite her life being anything but sweet.

"When something tastes bitter, what do you do? You add sugar because it sweetens it up perfectly and it tastes better." Tobias responds, his eyes flickering between my lips and eyes. I feel like my heart is going to burst through my chest and I simply nod back at him. 

"I strongly believe if you enter someone's life, you'll sweeten it up completely," Tobias whispers, his breathing becoming shallow. His eyes are fully trained on my lips now and I let my tongue flick out, wetting my bottom lip. 

I don't know if it's my imagination but I'm sure I hear an animal like growl come from his throat. . . 
                     
Only for a split second. 

"Do you need sugar in your life?" I whisper bravely, my voice trembling. He takes a few seconds to reply but his response has me quivering at the knees -

"You know I do."



"His name is Jason Monroe. He turns three next month." The adoption manager says, pushing a file towards Tobias and I. It's open and packed full of information, the papers thick and stacked on top of one another. In the corner is a small photograph of Jason and I automatically feel drawn to it. There's something about the sadness in his eyes that makes me want to take it away.
"What's his story?" Tobias says, quickly skimming over the page. There's a pause in the room and I glance up at her from under my lashes. She's sitting in her office chair with her back straight but her eyes diverted to the floor. She releases a heavy sigh before her eyes flicker back up to meet mine.
"It's a very long one. Jason came to us three months ago from his mothers house. We don't know where his biological father is despite getting in touch with him numerous times. There were suspicions that Jason was being... mistreated." She says, her eyes flashing with a mixed sadness and anger.
"What happened to him?" I ask softly, my heart hammering inside my chest. I can't seem to tear my eyes off the little picture attached to his file.
"He's had countless visits to A&E. Some for fractured bones, sprains, loss of consciousness. We suspect abuse but Jason won't talk to us, he won't talk to anyone. There's currently an investigation pending into the case but I'm afraid it may be going on for a while."
"Poor little man." Tobias says quietly beside me, his face set into a permanent frown.
"What is he like? His behaviour and personality?" I question, my throat drying out considerably. I can't begin to imagine what Jason has seen or experienced. A three year old boy who's been to the hospital more times than I ever have done in my entire lifetime... All at the hands of the people who were supposed to protect him.
"He's quiet, understandably. He doesn't socialize with any of the other kids. We try to get him involved but he always ends up in the corner of the room, on his own. He has frequent night terrors but they seem to be decreasing as time goes on. He's built a relationship with only one member of staff so he is difficult to emotionally connect with."
"Could we see more of him?" Tobias says beside me. The manager nods her head before her eyes flicker between both of us.
"It may be slightly overwhelming to take on someone like Jason. He's withdrawn, on edge most of the time and will need further help to process his trauma. Maybe you'd be interested in finding out about another child? Someone who doesn't have as many needs?"
Automatically Tobias and I look at each other. His brown eyes search mine for an answer and without saying anything, we've already made a decision.
"No, we'll stick to Jason for now."
"Hey Buddy, do you want to do some colouring?" Tobias says, walking over to Jason who's sat at the kids colouring table. Tobias shuffles through some pictures before choosing one and sitting next to Jason. I'm sat a few feet away, watching and observing as Tobias gets to know him further.
Jason keeps his head down, his hand firmly wrapped around his toy cowboy. Tobias pauses before reaching forward and grabbing some colouring pens.
"Do you want to help me colour in this picture?" Tobias asks Jason quietly, pushing the paper towards him. There's no response from Jason, no reaction, no interest, nothing.
I give Tobias a reassuring smile as he looks up at me, slight worry flickering through his eyes.
"It's a picture of a cowboy." Tobias says patiently, trying his best to connect with Jason on any sort of level. For the first time, we both watch as his head lifts with interest. It's the smallest movement but a step in the right direction.
"Cowboy?" Jason says quietly.
"Yeah buddy, it's a cowboy. Look at his hat and boots. Do you want to colour him in?" Tobias says, a smile lighting up his face. I lean back against my chair, a warm feeling settling inside my chest as I watch them both.
"Okay." Jason murmurs quietly, reaching forward in slow motion to carefully lift a coloured pen from the table. He moves with such caution, almost afraid that his actions will get him in trouble.
"Hmm. I think I'm going to colour his boots with the pink pen."
"No!" Jason gasps, looking up at Tobias. They both connect eyes for the first time and Tobias laughs-
"Why not?"
"Cowboys don't wear pink." Jason says, picking up a darker colour. He hands it to Tobias carefully, his small hands shaking slightly.
"Yes you're right. I completely forgot! Cowboys don't wear pink." Tobias says, taking it from him. The two boys sit and continue colouring in silence for the next ten minutes but those very few words spoken gives everyone in the room hope.
Jason may be quiet and withdrawn but underneath all that pain is a little boy desperate to be just that-
A little boy.
"Yay Ruby! Clap your hands!" I cheer, clapping my hands and bouncing her in my lap. She giggles and gurgles, her large eyes widening in excitement. Emily laughs at us over her shoulder before continuing on with finishing up the cake.
"Is it normal to celebrate a baby turning six months old?" She asks me, licking a small piece of frosting from the tip of her fingers. I nod and shrug my shoulders-
"Who says it  has  to be a full year before we're allowed to eat cake? You & Jake kept this baby alive for six whole months, it's a damn miracle." I laugh. Emily bursts out laughing, nodding her head in agreement.
"Every day with this eating, sleeping and pooping monster is hard."
"You're the best parents I know." I tell her seriously. She turns around, pausing for a moment in surprise.
"Thank you." She says softly, giving me a small smile. Her brown eyes flicker over to Ruby, a baby that couldn't look more like her.
"I never thought I'd be stood here right now, raising an  actual  human. If I could celebrate every single day with her, I would."
In that moment, Ruby senses her mothers love and holds out her arms, wanting to be held. Emily smiles and walks forward, her eyes lighting up with nothing but pure love for her child. She takes her from me and props her up on her hip before kissing her forehead.
"Hi honey," Emily murmurs, breathing in her scent. I smile at the sight in front of me, knowing my best friend was destined to be a Mum to the amazing Ruby. The kitchen door opens and Jake and Tobias walk in followed by Ivory.
"I have balloons!" Jake says excitedly, holding them up in the air. Written across them is a number 6 and I laugh, pointing at them.
"She's six months old Jake, not six years old."
"Nowhere sold six month old balloons, can you believe that?" Jake says unhappily. Emily walks up to him, standing on her tip toes before kissing him.
"The balloons are perfect." She says, a wide smile on her face. Jake's unhappy expression immediately vanishes and he scoops Ruby and Emily into a massive bear hug, crushing the pair of them.
"I love you my Muffin and Cupcake."
Behind him, Tobias begins to retch, mimicking throwing up. Ivory laughs and shoves his arm slightly, telling him off. Once upon a time, Jake Melvin wouldn't dare call anyone his Cupcake or Muffin... That is until he met my best friend and had a daughter.
I've been surrounded by bad parenting my entire life which completely threw me off having children. Now that I have two of my best friends to show me it isn't all doom and gloom, I couldn't be more excited to start my own family with the man I love.
"Hey Sugar, fancy giving me some loving like that?" Tobias says, waggling his eyebrows as he walks towards me. I laugh and shake my head at him but my feet automatically move towards his outstretched arms. He wraps both arms loosely around my neck before pulling me into his chest. His hand disappears into my hair and I breathe in his warm scent, closing my eyes.
"I love you." He whispers down my ear, his voice inviting goosebumps all over my body.



Trisha Louise Lockwood. 
A girl who's tired of having a bad reputation. A girl who decides to change despite her challenging home situation. A girl who thought she was unreadable until she met Tobias Melvin. 
She didn't know one person could change her entire life.
She didn't know one person could save her from so many demons.
He calls her SUGAR despite her life being anything but sweet.

I sat myself at the back part of the circle, facing directly at the teacher. One by one, every kid introduced themselves with their name, age, and hobby. There were things like video games, socker, and building leygo. I don't know some of them were, but the last one was intriguing; to think that kids this young already have jobs in construction. 
I should prepare myself so that I don't mess up my introduction. I could already hear a kid crying from the intense questioning next door. My name and age should be easy, but the teacher's real purpose is likely to gauge our abilities through our hobbies. I should say that I have a hobby with weapons so that I can be avoided by people wanting to challenge me with swords. Guns may be out of the way, but swords are still a thing. By showing my vast knowledge about weapons, it hints that I may have some guns, and a duel with me will not be a good idea.
I start by introducing powerful weapons so that I can pretend that I have such arsenals, and it can also notify the teacher that I'm at least capable enough to know the most powerful weapons. I must also give my thanks to Google for giving me such knowledge from a quick search.
Looking at who's currently talking, I see that it's 5 students away from my turn. I have prepared everything with thorough research. I mustn't fail. 
---
The person next to me has finished their introduction; time for me to shine!
"My name is Charlotte, age 6. It is a pleasure to meet everyone. My hobbies are dealing with powerful weapons such as Hydrogen bombs, Apache-64 gunships, inter-continental ballistic missiles, and massive ordnance air blast bombs, or MOAB for short. I also look at handheld weapons such as the Kalashnikov rifle, and the RPG-7."
I made sure not to use acquaintance this time since the Amelia girl reacted weirdly when I said it. Maybe the dictionary had an error with the word acquaintance. I'll have to check it on the computer later.
"Uhhh. Very interesting. Next."
The topic quickly switches to the person next to me. I suppose they can't waste too much time on every single introduction. The class didn't react too much, but the teacher had a surprised look. Maybe she didn't expect that answer. I suppose she hasn't taught us about them yet. Did I accidentally say some grade 1 or 2 level things? Google must be amazing if that's the case.
After the introduction, we were told to do some colouring activities. I guess the teacher is trying to calm us down, and distract us while she records information on us. Anyways, we did the colouring activity until the bell rang. I was surprised at the amount of blues available; blue was a colour for the rich back in my old world, it took quite a lot of effort to make blue dye since there was barely anything naturally blue. 
I open my bag that was hanging on my chair and pulled out a lunch box. The lunch box had a ham sandwich, an apple, and a tiny water bottle. I wasn't really hungry, so I just ate the apple, leaving the sandwich for later. 
I walked to the area where kindergarteners stay, and sat down on a nearby bench, munching away at my sandwich. Oh wait, I still have a quest from the system. 
[Quest: Befriend kids(0/3)]
I haven't used the system much; this is the first quest I have. Still weird that I don't have a friend yet, I thought I made friends with that Amelia girl from before. Thinking of a way to approach and befriend kids, in a not creepy way, is almost impossible. How does everyone already have friends?
"Hey! There you are; don't you have any friends?"
Suddenly, a familiar voice calls out to me from behind. I look back and saw Amelia running towards me with some other students with her.
"I'm not too sure if I'm allowed here, but I had a feeling that you would be alone."
How did she know? Maybe this is the powers taught in 4th grade. Anyways, since I've already interacted with her, it should be easier to befriend her.
"Hey, Amelia, why are we playing in the little kid's area."
Oi, aren't you a little kid too?
A guy didn't seem to like this area too much. I suppose it's like the arrogance of nobles in my previous life but on a slightly smaller scale. 
There were 3 guys and 2 girls with Amelia, so it was fairly mixed. If I can befriend Amelia, I should be able to easily befriend others in the same friend group as her. I should introduce myself first.
"Nice to meet you again, Amelia, and Amelia's friends I presume?"
"Woah, hey, didn't we just learn that word from the last lesson?"
"Yeah! We did!"
Two other kids were talking about the words I used. I guess I'm ahead in terms of my vocabulary since I'm mentally 50. I'm not too sure on technology and combat though.
"See? She's like the other kindergarteners. I even learnt a new word from her. Anyways, do you want to play with us?"
"So, we can be friends?"
This is easier than expected, I guess researching on my computer for many sleepless nights paid off.
"Yeah sure. Nobody minds, right?"
"Whatever."
"Yeah."
"Yup."
"*munch*"
It seems one of the guys disappeared somewhere, but, everyone seems to agree to let me join their friend group. I'm guessing the guy eating his apple also agreed, so infiltration is a success! 
[Quest: Befriend kids(5/3)]
[Quest: Completed]
[Reward: 2 Skill points, $10]
Wow, I also gain money from quests?
"Alright, let's play hide and seek! I'll be it! You have 30 seconds!"
Amelia decides to play hide and seek. I've never heard of it before but guessing from the name, I'm supposed to hide whilst Amelia tries to find where I hide.
I quickly ran away and hid behind a tree nearby. She might overlook this spot since it's too close. She might have the advantage of living in a much more technologically developed world, but, I have the advantage of 30 years of jungle warfare on my side!
While I stay in hiding, I should probably spend my skill points on something.

For a senior player of a game, after playing all the games in a perfect manner, it seems that giving up has become the final destination. 

The veteran player Ye Fu has played the "Xian Lu Man Man" for nearly ten years.

When he give up and chooses to uninstall the game.

He suddenly crosses!

He soon discovered that he seemed to have traveled with the full-level attributes of the game...


P.S. Image is not mine

A minute passed with Theodore quickly filling 12 pages of his new sketchbook with drawings that would later be titled as Iconic.

He opens his sketchbook and showed the first page that had a beautiful and flowy style title. 

Below the title was the drawing of a little girl with a cape-like red hood covering her head and body appearing to skip through a forest on a dirt path.

Around her was the vast and beautiful forest with two gold eyes keenly watching from afar.

Theodore went with colours this time as its a key feature to books that appeals to kids with a similar age to Rose.

Even though his master level Speed Drawing does not apply to colour's he can at least rely on the knowledge of shading to help especially since he's using pencil colours.

It's not the best colouring but it works to compliment his unnecessary in-depth portrayal of the story.

Theodore put his finger below the title as he slowly read it to Rose and The chat "Li-ttle Red Ri-ding Hoo-d"

"Li-lil Red Ree-ding Hoo-d" Said Rose with some difficulty.

"Good try, Rose," Said Theodore with a sincere and proud smile

"Heheh~ book hurry," Said Rose excitedly while giggling.

"Okay, Okay," Said Theodore before flipping the page which had thick black righting in the corner.

The writing was thankfully decent as he write it with a thick black felt tip pen.

The picture was the girl in red running through her village while the vague outlines of villagers called out to her.

*Cough, Ahem* "Once upon a time, there was a little girl who lived in a village near the forest.  Whenever she went out, the little girl wore a red riding cloak, so everyone in the village called her Little Red Riding Hood" Said Theodore with a calm and enchanting voice.

He moved to the other page that had the girl in her cute little village house with her dad.

He made the necessary change from the original mom to the dad as to not remind Rose of her not so caring mother.

"One morning, Little Red Riding Hood asked her father if she could go to visit her grandmother as it had been a while since they'd seen each other. 'That's a good idea' her father said. So they packed a nice basket for Little Red Riding Hood to take to her grandmother." Said Theodore while doing his best attempt at a girls voice which made Rose and Chat giggle.


Due to how important the next page was he put a lot more effort into with the writing being twice as big and the father's facial expression being very serious.

Theodore made sure to point at every word while emphasising "Remember, go straight to Grandma's house," her father cautioned.  "Don't dawdle along the way and please don't talk to strangers!  The woods are dangerous."

The story continued as the villain made his appearance which caused Rose to angrily pout at how Little Red Riding Hood did not listen to her dad but gladly talked to the strange wolf

Rose was truthfully scared when she saw the wolf eat the grandmother in one fell swoop. 

The chat was entertained with the wolf's unnecessary action to dress up as the grandmother but Rose, on the other hand, was not she was repeating "Bad wolf, bad!" 

—_—_—_—_—_—_—_—_—_—_—_
\\CHAT\\
[PhatPuss]: 🤣🤣
[LoneWolfx69]: I'm feeling personally attacked is this how you treat a new viewer 😢 Jk love it 
[RicherThanYou]: Wolves are bad😡
[Aqua-Sift]: This took an odd turn 🧐
[Just1Toast]: Such a great father n daughter pair makes you wonder why the mother left🤨
[Lost-Aggresssion]: This is has gained my interest 🧐
—_—_—_—_—_—_—_—_—_—_—_

Rose saw that Little Red Riding Hood entered and sat at the stool next to the bed with the wolf dressed as the grandmother with the bed covers over his body.

"No, Run Reed-ing hood," Said Rose with a pleading voice 

Rose was happy to see that little Red Riding Hood had caught on and asked questions that pointed out the "Grandmothers" changers.

"Little Red Riding Hood asked while quivering 'But Grandmother!  What big teeth you have' The wolf pulled the covers off. 'The better to eat you with, my dear,' roared the wolf and he leapt out of the bed and began to chase the little girl" Said Theodore while reaching out to Rose who gave a frightful shriek.

—_—_—_—_—_—_—_—_—_—_—_
\\CHAT\\
[PunkJelly34]: Savage wolf 🤣
[SoAmbiguous]: Low key wolf looking Thicc 😏🍑
[KickAbout]: Dat flow though 😂
[TightZippy]: That what she said  🙃
[Big-M-B!ch]: I'd eat you, dad, 🐅💋 
[BangMan]: Put a beat to it and we got a hit
—_—_—_—_—_—_—_—_—_—_—_

The picture and Theodore's voice was an incredible influence on Rose and the Chats imagination as they were completely able to see things moving even though it was still image.

The story finely came to its conclusion with the woodsmen responding to Little Red Riding Hood's shout for help.

" 'Oh, Grandma, I was so scared!'  sobbed Little Red Riding Hood, 'I'll never speak to strangers or dawdle in the forest again' Her Grandmother replied 'There, there, child.  You've learned an important lesson.  Thank goodness you shouted loud enough for this kind woodsman to find you!' The woodsman knocked out the wolf and carried him deep into the forest where he wouldn't bother people any longer And they lived happily ever after. The end" Said Theodore he closes the sketchbook abruptly *Smack*


"So what did you learn Rose," Said Theodore with a kind smile while pinching Rose's chubby cheeks.

"Stop it, daddy. Umm Wolves bad. No talk to strangers, wood man good" Said Rose with brows ruffled as she thought hard.

"Yes don't talk to a stranger. Now the woodsmen is also a stranger so you can't talk to them and when you in trouble you shout. ." Said, Theodore while pointing at Rose who then shouted "HELP!!"

"My little petal is so smart," Said Theodore while hugging her in his arms.

—_—_—_—_—_—_—_—_—_—_—
\\CHAT\\
[NoSocial]: 🙌👏🙌👏
[GodShooter]: Wow, dad's a good dad 👍 
[FightPressure]: great story bro🥳🤯
[LadyLuck]: Nobel Prize for the best teacher goes to. . . .  Dad 🥰😘
—_—_—_—_—_—_—_—_—_—_—

"David, you can come in. My clones have already noticed your car and the truck parked outside" Said Theodore while looking at the camera

After saying that Theodor made his way to the front door and opened it to see David stepping out of his car with a white truck just behind. 

From the white truck, 6 men stepped read to clean the house out

"Hey David" Said Theodore while waving 

"Hi uncle, Lily?" Said Rose while looking out for Lily

"Woof, woof" Barked Icy while jumping happily 

"Hello. Sorry Rose but Lilly had school but you can play with her afterwards. Theodore these guys that gonna be helping you move out. These guys are actually under my little brothers business which just started up so if we can plug that in after they've done a good job " Said David while walking over Theodore

"Sure, I don't mind" Said Theodore

"Hey don't worry guys the BoxCam has the censor on so no one will see you," Said, Theodore in a friendly manner

They then go into the house and begin packing things away. 

"Fancy a snack the cheese sausages should be done and we still have some hummus, and veg sticks,"  Said Theodore as he moved to the kitchen 

"I was hoping you would ask" Said David as he followed excitedly

BlackListed don't read!! I've re-uploaded it with the reason edited out. Thanks

Scarlet fidgeted in her chair as Debbie flipped through the printed manuscript. For a ten-year-old with no prior writing experience, the story was quite well written. It strangely reminded her of an old animated movie[1] that she personally found to be quite adorable.
Scarlet had a rather pure imagination and it was a pleasure to read it despite the grammatical issues here and there. The girl must have read many books for she was using many phrases she picked up that seemed a little too cliched for a piece of original work. If it was a school assignment to be graded, Debbie would not have hesitated to give her an A+ and send her home with a lollipop. Unfortunately, the girl wanted to be a professional writer. That meant that being good simply wasn't enough.
The tutor-governess looked up from the script and observed the puny creature before her and adjusted her glasses. Scarlet looked very nervous and even a little afraid. This took the ex-lawyer back to her teenage years when she was nothing more than a snotty brat who was only embarking on her journey to fame and freedom as an author. After many turns and tumbles, Debbie came to understand that the path of writing was more than fame and riches. It was difficult for one person to continuously seek out new experiences and inspiration to bring to the world authentic ideas without having everything sound almost exactly the same. As such, Debbie decided to leave her writing days behind as a memory that blazed with passion. The fire in her author heart was then channelled to become fertiliser for those who had grander ideas than hers. Debbie decided to become an editor for that very purpose.
"Hello Scarlet, I've heard a little about you from Mr Wilde. Won't you tell me more about yourself? I'm a little curious. Why would such a young girl like yourself be interested in such a boring hobby? Most kids your age would be more interested in sports or art or music... Some would prefer making friends and having fun instead of being cooped up in a room in front of a computer with additional self-imposed assignments to do. I don't know many children who would use the computer other than for assignment researching and gaming. You're the first child I know who wants to be a writer..."
The blogger blinked and looked at her hands. It was true. Most children would prefer doing other things. Even Alex preferred holding a paintbrush to a pen if she had a choice. Jasper was far more interested in the software applications on the computer than games, but Scarlet was only interested in the word document whenever she touched a laptop. Perhaps in the eyes of an adult, she was weird for having such a boring hobby.
"I just like reading and writing helps me get some of the things I couldn't say off my chest. I don't know who I can tell or talk to, but I just wish that someone in this big world can pick it up and read what I have to say. I'm not very good at communication..."
The editor put the script down and looked at the girl with seriousness. No wonder Wilmer was so worried about her. "Is there something you'd like to talk about then? I can listen to what you have to say..." she offered.
The feeling of having nobody to talk to about problems can really eat away at one's happiness. For a girl as young and as intelligent as Scarlet, this must be a really heavy burden to bear alone. Debbie didn't know what happened to Scarlet for her to be so guarded, but she heard bits and pieces of Scarlet's background from the CEO. The governess could only imagine what was going through this sweet child's mind while it all happened.
Scarlet made no attempt to say more and had her eyes downcast the whole time as if she was afraid of making eye contact. Debbie took the cue and didn't push any further. Instead, she changed her approach.
Scarlet was tense when Debbie reached for her bag. She didn't know what her tutor wanted when she took out a new notebook that had never been used before. The governess didn't say much as she pushed it across the table to Scarlet.
"I need time to read through the story you've written but I don't want you to be idle. This is going to be our secret communication diary, I hope you can take good care of it. I have approximately about another hour or so today so while I am reading through your manuscript, I would like you to decorate the journal and write the very first entry inside."
Scarlet took the notebook and looked at it. The book was a very common and relatively cheap kind that can be bought at any bookstore. There were single lined pages on the inside and it wasn't very thick, so Scarlet could easily carry it around in her school bag. The blogger vaguely remembered using notebooks like this back when she was in Keyman International for penmanship classes. Her teacher used to call it a Jotter Book. But the one Debbie passed her looked slightly nicer. It had a blank cover page made out of recycled pulp and had a lovely rough texture to the brown colour. It was clearly a product made by a company that believed in recycling. That gave Scarlet an inspiration and she asked permission to leave the room in search of decoration materials.
While Debbie appeared neutral on the surface, she was internally ecstatic about Scarlet's willingness to participate in the communication book. The tutor nodded and Scarlet hopped off her chair to find Claire. The penthouse might not have the materials she needed, but that shouldn't be a problem. Alex was quite the artist, so she could borrow the glue and colouring supplies she needed later.
"Claire," Scarlet knocked on the door to the kitchen. The maid was busy preparing ingredients for dinner when she heard a soft voice from the doorway.
"Hello Scarlet, how can I assist you?" the head maid quickly put away the carrots for the chef who was coming in ten minutes. It was rare for Scarlet to request anything from her so the head maid was slightly curious.
"Can I go downstairs for a little? I'll be back. This is for my classwork now with Ms Connor."
Claire was a little surprised. What kind of classwork would require Scarlet to go downstairs? 
"Why do you need to go downstairs? What kind of classwork has Ms Connor given you?"
Scarlet blushed a little and played with the end of her long side braid. "It's something I wanted to do, it's not really necessary. If it's too troublesome then I'll find another way to get it done. I'm sorry for disturbing you while you're very busy..."
Claire quickly denied it and held the girl by her hands before kneeling down to look at Scarlet who had her eyes to the floor.
"Look at me, Scarlet. I'm not angry or annoyed. I can make time for it, don't worry too much. I was just curious as to what kind of assignment it was. You don't usually enjoy going outside after all..."
Scarlet stole a peek at the serious maid's expression and looked around a little before leaning in to whisper her plans.
Claire smiled and ruffled the blogger's hair when she heard that. "I see. In that case, I shall have Sue or Tina to accompany you. I will also inform Mr Wilde about it just in case, if it's alright with you."
Scarlet brightened up at that and nodded before leaving to find her outdoor shoes. Claire watched the girl run off and reached for her phone. This new governess was making big waves and the head maid wasn't sure if it was a good or bad thing.
Still, if Scarlet was happy, then it's fine. That was all that mattered to her.
Claire waited for the phone to stop ringing and wondered how Mr Wilde would react to the good news. Debbie Connor might just be the lady who knew how to pull Scarlet out from that deep and dark hole she dug for herself.
[1] *Aristocats - it's an old Disney movie, you can Google it up.


At age 10, Scarlet Liu Xiu Wen was tested with a Mensa IQ of 156.

By age 12, she was publishing books with the pen name Permanent Frost. By age 14, she was a successful vocalist-composer in the band called Britannia. By age 16 Scarlet had a successful career as a model and actress going by the stage name of Liu Xiu Wen.

However, there was a secret that the world didn't know. Away from the limelight, Scarlet took on yet another persona online as Pirate S - the eccentric half-genius. Everyone who lurked in the forums knew her name. Known for her unusual takes on life and mostly popularly for her "Human Observation Diary" blog, Scarlet enjoys the nerd life in secret.

Human Observation Diary has always kept to a very standard format but one day, a reader pointed out that the blog has recently been differing from its usual format. Intrigued by the trigger, Scarlet investigates her latest human observation - an online NEET by the name of Jedd77.

From further interactions, Scarlet finds herself helplessly drawn to him. As their friendship develops into something more, Scarlet has to make a choice.

To give up her secrecy and allow Jedd77 to be a part of her life? Or continue the game of cat and mouse even after the face reveal.

Note: Slow progress. Talks of some darker topics in life eg: Depression, PTSD, adoption and acceptance.

Drama seekers, toxic bitches and overly-sensitive folks who cannot chillax not welcomed. Author also has indemnity to typo, grammar mistakes and English bugs throughout the story.

You have been warned. Proceed with caution and enjoy.

***

Special chapter release on other milestones, check out my discord and patreon for more details, thank you for the support!

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Discord: https://discord.gg/UrtDMXn

 
363 Days Left
 
I drag her across the plaza as fast as I can, one arm around her shoulders, one arm tucked into her armpit. Mumshine keeps insisting she's okay, but nah. You get stabbed with a fucking arrow, you're not okay. People get fake temporary strength after they've been dealt a massive blow. It's just adrenaline. I've been around enough sudden deaths to know this. 
I'm picking up a paving stone to hurl through the sliding doors of the Cloudport when Mumshine sticks her fingers in the aperture. We manage to haul a gap in the glass and squeeze through. A puff of gorgeous warm stale air comes out. I drag Mumshine in as far as my complaining arms allow, up against the reception, then turn, shrug Hopey off my back and aim my fists at the glass. 
Whoever shot an arrow into my mum must be moments away from invading. Either that or they're getting into position, ready to play the long game. 
Hunkered inside the Cloudport lobby, keeping my eyes on the outside, ready to throw myself like a screaming wolverine at the attackers, I creep over to Mumshine and start feeling her back. She's already shrugged her backpack off. 
'I CAN'T FEEL THE WOUND! HOW FAR IN'S THE TIP, MAMA! SHOW ME YOUR TUMMY, SHOW ME YOUR EXIT – 
'I'm not hurt, Edie.' Mumshine's amused. How the fuck can she be laughing right now when she's just been shot by a – 
Christ. The arrow is lodged in Mumshine's backpack, that's all. I peer inside the backpack frantically. The blade of the arrow has penetrated the water bottle, which has leaked a litre of water down the bottom of the backpack. 
'I could use a change of pants, however,' Mumshine says, rolling to her feet. 'I do declare, I seem to have wet myself.'
I poke her. 'You scared the shit out of me. Did you spot who shot you?'
'Blue shuffling thing up on the balcony of the Marriott hotel just there. Looked like it was wearing overalls. Fits the description. They have some sort of uniform, Turing's people. Worker outfits only. Luddite rules.'
I grab Hopey's shoulders, tell her I'm going to need her to stay calm and colour in two entire pages of ponies and unicorns in the colouring book we've packed, which mercifully hasn't gotten wet. I find her felt tip pens for her, violet and highlighter yellow, her favourite colours. She lies on her belly and jiggles her feet as she works. Colouring within the lines is her biggest challenge right now. Hopey has no idea I have to face down snipers. In her mind she could be in Lollipoppa's Playland right now. 
'Blue, you said?'
'Sometimes orange, occasionally white. Their uniform's all about being bluecollar. Working class. Hands-on labour. Suppose I should tell you the history, there was this thing – it was before your time, girl, long ago – there used to be a whole system of people wearing these garments to keep the dirt off them as they worked. Keep the blood off, the sawdust, the mud, engine oil. People building cars on assembly lines. Men cutting down trees. Women in kitchens chopping up hunks of lamb and beef and cabbage.'
'But that's all automated, mama. That's a robot's job.'
'Not in my day it wasn't. Then the people at Toyota and Ford and General Motors decided they wanted to use less people, more robots. Now look where we ar – FUCK!'
An arrow hits the glass entrance, falls to the ground. It's chinked a divot in the glass and a crack is spreading.
Another arrow. Chink. Crack. And another. 
The attackers are winning. We have to retreat. 
I wriggle on my stomach, terrified of going too close in case the automatic doors spring to life, open and make us vulnerable. Mumshine's right: there is movement on the balcony opposite the Cloudport. White shapes and blue shapes and orange, pointing to us, whistling. I see at least three of them with longbows as tall as they are. 
'We have to build a barricade, mum, they could have guns! Get back, what are you – MUM!'
Mumshine walks over to the door controls. There's a small red switch under her finger reading DOOR LOCK. It's red – just like my embarrassed face. She flicks the door lock up and a latch clicks. 
'Locked. Let's go see your father.'
Beyond a vast plastic sign reading CLOUDPORT – WELCOME – DEPARTURES is the centre of the building. It brings up a rare memory of my Dad relaxing with some big padded earphones on, his eyes shut tight with bliss as he enjoyed this Pink Floyd. The cover showed thousands of beds on a beach. 
I'll point that out to him, if I can find him, because one of those bodies on one of those beds – thousands of souls, all put to sleep – one of them has to be my dad.

A tribe of brave teens. 
An army of vengeful parents. 
A dome filled with enemies.
And a future machine watching mankind destroy itself.
*

Freed from prison in 2041 following the deaths of her school friends during a cruel biodome experiment, Eden Shepherd is ready to return home to her parents and daughter and work out what went wrong in Moneyland. 
First problem, though: Eden’s dad has disappeared, leaving a trail of questions about his complicity in the rise of a heartless AI responsible for billions of humans uploading their consciousness to The Cloud and leaving their bodies behind to rot.  
Eden and her mom begin searching for Dr David Shepherd in the rubble that used to be the city centre – except it’s ground zero for a militia led by a man intent on killing Eden.
After an all-new dome imprisons Eden in an abandoned mall with a tribe of teens, Eden finds herself fighting against The Father’s Force, the Mechastructure, and her feelings for the tribe’s leader Otzi all at once. 
As secrets about Otzi emerge and the rebels turn on one another, Eden realises she’s about to lose her chance at payback – as well as her life.

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